Newport’s Isaac Bell House is an icon of the architectural innovation of the Gilded Age. Unlike the marble and gold opulence of Newport’s more famed mansions, this historic mansion is one of the finest surviving examples of Shingle Style architecture in the United States.
Isaac Bell Jr., a prosperous cotton broker and investor, and brother-in-law of James Gordon Bennett Jr. publisher of the New York Herald, sought a summer retreat that would reflect his wealth and status.
He had the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead & White design his mansion in 1883. The house reflects a unique blend of Old English, European, and colonial American styles.
The architects drew inspiration from a mix of international and American influences, creating a distinctive addition to Newport’s architectural landscape.
The house features unpainted wood shingles, simple window and trim details, and multiple porches. The interior boasts a Japanese-inspired open floor plan, bamboo-style porch columns, inglenook fireplaces, natural rattan wall coverings, and narrow-band wooden floors.
These elements combined to create a residence that was both elegant and comfortable, embodying the spirit of the Gilded Age.
Bell’s life and attitudes are vividly reflected in the design and ambiance of his Newport residence. Bell was known for his appreciation of elegance, innovation, and international influences. His tenure as the U.S. Minister to the Netherlands shaped his cosmopolitan outlook. This is evident in the house’s eclectic architectural style, which blends English Queen Anne, New England Colonial, Japanese, and French/Breton influences.
The emphasis on natural light, ventilation, and open spaces within the house mirrors Bell’s forward-thinking approach and his desire for a harmonious and comfortable living environment
Over the years, the Isaac Bell House has seen various transformations. It has been divided into apartments and even served as a nursing home. In November 2023, The Preservation Society of Newport County began a $3.3 million restoration and preservation project that included replacing all exterior shingles, restoring the shutters and windows, repointing the lower-level brick and chimneys, and much more.
Their efforts were recognized with several awards, and in 1997, the Isaac Bell House was declared a National Historic Landmark.
Today, the Isaac Bell House is open to the public as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Newport’s elite during the late 19th century.
Guide-led tours allow visitors to experience this National Historic Landmark on Saturdays and Sundays through August 31 with the purchase of a special, timed ticket.
Tours are available six times a day at 10:30 & 11:30 AM, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30 PM.
Tickets must be ordered online or in person at The Breakers Welcome Center, Marble House, The Elms, Rosecliff, or Green Animals.
Visitors are encouraged to download the free Newport Mansions tour app for a self-guided audio tour, as the house is not wheelchair-accessible.
The Isaac Bell House is located at 70 Perry Street, Newport, RI 02840. Parking is available onsite, and the house is easily accessible from other Newport attractions. For those interested in group tours, special rates are available for groups of 20 or more adults and 10 or more students.
The Isaac Bell House is more than just a historic mansion; it is a window into a bygone era of architectural brilliance and opulent living. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique experience in Newport, a visit to the Isaac Bell House promises to be a memorable journey through time.
For more information
- www.newportmansions.org/mansions-and-gardens/isaac-bell-house/
